The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers in 2024
Motorola Razr Just Killed Off The Nintendo Switch – Here's Why
The Motorola Razr 2022 was unveiled earlier this week. Following on from the Motorola Razr 5G, the Razr 2022 features a top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, and the most advanced camera on any flip phone.
What's more, it undercuts the esteemed Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 by around £100. That makes it one of the most affordable foldable phones on the market.
One feature seems to have been glossed over, though, and it could prove to be an important one. Motorola's Ready For technology is nothing new, but coupled with the extra firepower on offer in the Razr 2022, it could be more useful than ever.
What is "Ready For"?Ready For is Motorola's technology that enables you to cast your phone display to a larger screen, like a TV, and use the handset itself as a remote. At it's most basic level, Ready For turns your phone into a kind of pseudo-computer, doing away with the need for a laptop.
Casting video calls can enable you to see colleagues, friends and family in unprecedented detail, while casting TV from the best streaming services, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, enables you to watch the action on any screen.
But for me, the most interesting feature is the ability to cast games to the big screen, allowing you to break free from your phone screen when gaming. Okay, the Razr 2022 is unlikely to challenge the best gaming phones on the market, but that Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is a certified powerhouse, and should have no trouble handling a stint of mobile gaming. You can even pair external devices, like wireless controllers, to improve the experience.
That's a package that I think should be worrying the team behind the Nintendo Switch. It's definitely not a like-for-like product, but a big part of the appeal for the Switch is its ability to morph between a personal gaming device and an immersive console for multiple users. If that functionality is tidily packaged into your phone, there's no real need to spend extra for the Switch.
What's more, the Google Play app store that supplies Android phones like the Razr 2022 is equipped with a greater array of titles than Nintendo has. I can see the appeal of games like Call of Duty Mobile, particularly in multiplayer on the big screen.
As someone who hasn't owned a console – like the PS5 or the Xbox Series X – for a few years, the opportunity to game casually from my phone, without investing in a console and the games to go with it, is very appealing.
Can't wait for the Motorola Razr 2022?Today's best Nintendo Switch deals
Best Smart Light Switches In 2024
Best smart light switches
Does your home have a lot of built-in light fixtures, such as recessed lighting, chandeliers, or wall sconces? If so, replacing all those lights with smart light bulbs can get expensive quickly. A cheaper way is to install a smart light switch, which lets you control all the lights from one spot.
A smart light switch looks and acts like any traditional light switch or dimmer, but lets you control your lights from your smartphone, set schedules for when the lights should turn on and off, and connect them to other smart home devices using Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit.
Many of the best smart light switches even have a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off randomly to make it look like you're home.
We've tested a number of smart light switches to find out which are the easiest to install and use, and which will fit the best with your home decor. We've also divided the guide into two sections: Smart light switches that replace traditional switches, and smart light switch accessories, which can do many of the same things as smart light switches, but are easier to install.
The quick list
Best overall
Best overall
This smart light switch works with every major smart home assistant and comes in a variety of configurations — we've highlighted the model with the motion sensor, as it will turn the lights on and off automatically when you enter or leave a room.
Read more below.
Best value
Best Value
This switch also has a motion sensor built in and works well, but we didn't like its look as much as the Leviton. It also doesn't work with HomeKit, but it's a bit cheaper.
Read more below.
Best cheap switch
3. Kasa Smart Light Switch
Best cheap switch
If you're looking for a simple connected smart light switch, it doesn't get much cheaper than this. And, it works with all major smart home systems.
Read more below
Most high-tech
4. Brilliant Control Panel
Most high-tech
This switch lets you control not just your lights, but your Sonos system and other smart home devices. It even has a camera you can use as an intercom, and Alexa is built in, too. It's expensive, though.
Read more below.
Most connected
5. Lutron Caseta
Most connected
While it requires its own hub, Lutron's Caseta switches work with every major smart home system: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest, and SmartThings.
Read more below
Best Z-Wave switch
6. Jasco Embrighten
Best Z-Wave switch
While there's a bit more setup required than the Lutron, this Z-Wave switch also works with a plethora of smart home systems. You'll need a third-party hub, though.
Read more below.
Best smart light switch overall (Image credit: Leviton Decora)Best smart light switch with a motion sensor
SpecificationsSize: 4.5 x 2.5 x 1.7 inches
Wi-Fi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, HomeKit, IFTTT, August, SmartThings
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Neutral wire required: Yes
Reasons to buy +Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Siri
+Simple, clean design
+Does not require hub or controller: connects directly to WiFi
Reasons to avoid -Required neutral wire
-Not Matter-compatible
The Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer (D2MSD-1BW) is our favorite pick for the best smart light switch for those who want a dimmer switch with a motion sensor. We like its clean look and simple design, nice for those who want tech but don't want their switches to look too gadgety.
You can set specific dimming levels for times of the day (such as a nightlight), can handle a wide range of lights including LEDs, CFLs incandescent, and the less common Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) type. It also supports a large number of smart home platforms, including the big three: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
About the only thing we didn't like is that it requires a neutral wire, which may be an issue for older homes. Also, it lacks support for Matter. However, Leviton has the Decora No-Neutral Dimmer ($49, Amazon) and a No-Neutral Switch ($44, Amazon), which work with the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge ($20, Amazon); all are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home.
If you don't care for a motion sensor, Leviton also makes a dimmer-only version and an on-off only version of this switch, among others. If you have a room where you'd like a second switch, but don't want to pay an electrician to install one, the switch can also be paired with a Dimmer Companion ($27, Amazon), which is a battery-powered switch that can be attached anywhere with nothing more than some double-sided tape.
Read our full Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer review.
Best value (Image credit: C-Start Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer (Credit: GE Lighting))2. GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer
This switch works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and has a motion sensor built in.
SpecificationsSize: 1.4 x 1.7 x 2.8 inches
Wi-Fi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Neutral wire required: No
Reasons to buy +No hub necessary
+Supports Alexa, Google Assistant
+Motion sensor
Reasons to avoid -Utilitarian design
-Confusing Android app
The GE Cync Smart Switch isn't the sexiest or sleekest, but it's the best smart light switch because it gets the job done and is packed with features. The Wi-Fi-connected switch works with all kinds of bulbs, has apps for iOS and Android, and lets you control lights with a touch, voice, motion or remotely via a smartphone.
Installation, as with most other smart switches, requires a neutral wire, but it's fairly straightforward. The switch includes an ambient light sensor (so it can be set not to come on in daylight) and a motion sensor to automatically trigger the light. The latter feature worked seamlessly. If you turn it off with the switch, after a few minutes it will engage the motion sensor again, or you can disable the sensor via the app in case you don't want it switched on in the middle of the night.
Like other Alexa-enabled switches (it also works with Google Assistant), the dimmer responds to voice commands, but the Cync Android app needs some work; setting up an automation for a room is confusing, and it can even be difficult to tell when you've scheduled it to go on and off. At around $70, it's more expensive than most other smart light switches, but the GE Cync Smart Switch gives you a lot for the price. The switch is sold in two configurations: One that's compatible with homes that have neutral wires, and one for homes without neutral wires.
However, it's unlikely that current GE Cync products will be updated to support Matter.
Best cheap smart light switch
3. Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200
Best cheap smart light switch
SpecificationsSize: 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches
Wi-Fi: Yes
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Matter
Dimmable: No
Supports three-way switches: No
Requires neutral wire: Yes
Reasons to buy +Inexpensive
+Works with all major smart home systems
+Matter-compatible
Reasons to avoid -No dimming function
-Requires neutral wire
If you're looking for a no-frills smart light switch, the Kasa HS200 is a great option. It costs less than $20, looks just like any other light switch, yet works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and there's even a Matter-compatible model so it'll work with SmartThings, too. A lot of the value with this smart light switch comes from the Kasa app, which lets you create schedules for when your lights turn on and off, connects you with other smart home devices, and even lets you set a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off to make it look like you're home.
Of course, there are a few tradeoffs with a model this inexpensive. For one, this is a simple on-and-off switch, so there's no dimming capability. You'll also need a neutral wire, so it may be difficult to install in older homes. And, it's a single-pole switch, so you won't be able to install it in any situation where two switches control a single light.
Most high tech
4. Brilliant Control Panel
This high-tech touch screen lets you control multiple smart home devices, as well as your lights.
SpecificationsSize: 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches
Wi-Fi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Ring, Sonos, Philips Hue, Ecobee, Honeywell Lyric
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Requires neutral wire: Yes
Reasons to buy +Beautiful interface
+No subscription required
+Alexa built in
The Brilliant touch-screen light switch lets you control not only your lights, but also other smart home devices, such as cameras, speakers and more. The panel has a large touchscreen, which you can use to look in on your security cameras, play music through smart speakers, and more. A touch-sensitive slider to one side is a simple way to change the brightness of the lights. Brilliant sells models with multiple sliders, in the event you have multiple light groups.
In addition, the panel has built-in motion sensors, so it can turn lights on and off as you enter and leave a room; a small camera lets you use multiple Brilliant panels as video intercoms. The Brilliant panel also works with a wide range of smart home systems, such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri/HomeKit, Ring, August, Ecobee, Honeywell, Sonos, Philips Hue, and Genie.
However, the Brilliant control panel is expensive, as it starts at $399 for a single-switch panel (a two-switch panel is $449, a three-switch panel $499, and a four-switch panel costs $549).
If you don't want to replace a light switch — or want a satellite switch that you can simply attach to a wall — the company also released a plug-in panel ($399) that replicates everything its smart light switch can do, including controlling music, acting as an intercom, checking security cameras, using Alexa — and yes, turning your lights on and off.
Brilliant said its devices would support Matter sometime in 2023.
Read our full Brilliant smart home controller review.
Most connected
This dimmer works with a plethora of smart home devices.
SpecificationsSize: 4.6 x 3 x 1.5 inches
Wi-Fi: Via Lutron Bridge
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest, SmartThings
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Requires neutral wire: No
Reasons to buy +Wide range of useful features
+Exceptional customer service
+Supports three-way switches
Reasons to avoid -Requires a hub (Smart Bridge)
-Pricey
The Caséta line of switches from Lutron offers an impressive list of features: geofencing, which means your lights will automatically turn on or off when you leave or arrive at home; the ability to schedule your lights to turn on or off at particular times or days; dimming capabilities; and compatibility with a long list of smart home platforms. You can also control the system using your voice through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, and it works with a plethora of other smart home system,s too.
Lutron's smart starter kit comes with one in-wall switch, one wireless remote and one smart bridge (hub), which can also be used to connect other Lutron products (such as its smart plugs and Serena smart shades) to the cloud and control them.
The switch itself looks high-tech, with several buttons laid out to control the numerous options Caséta offers. Lutron has gone for function over fashion for the most part with this dimmer: The white and gray buttons are front and center, not hidden by touch-sensitive controls, as is the case with other dimmers in this category.
The only downside is that the switch, like all of Lutron's products, must be linked to the Smart Bridge. The bridge itself must be plugged into your router so that you can control it from your smartphone.
If you think that the Caseta dimmer looks too busy, Lutron also has the Diva Smart Dimmer Switch kit ($119, Amazon); this switch has a simple rocker, with a small slider along one side to dim and brighten your lights.
Read our full Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit review.
Best Z-Wave switch
A great Z-Wave dimmer switch
SpecificationsSize: 4.1 x 1.75 x 1.5 inches
Wi-Fi: No
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Wink, HomeSeer, Vivint, etc.
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Requires neutral wire: No
Reasons to buy +Very easy installation
+Agnostic Load/Line Terminals
+Clean appearance and nice button feel
+Lots of smart home compatibility
Reasons to avoid -No manufacturer-created device handler, limited out-of-the-box features.
-No separate dimming controls
-No included wall plate
For those who have one of the best smart home hubs, the Jasco Enbrighten Z-Wave dimmer is a very good smart light switch. It's a cinch to install, as there's no neutral wire needed and the terminals are agnostic. A simple paddle switch handles both on/off duties as well as dimming functions.
If that's all you need, then you're all set. However, more adventurous types can also modify the switch's code to change what happens when you press its switch. The Enbrighten can also work with a host of other smart home systems once you connect it to a hub, too. We only wish it came with a cover plate.
Read our full Jasco Enbrighten Z-Wave No Neutral Smart Dimmer review
Smart light switch accessoriesBelow are a number of smart light switch accessories; while they act like a smart light switch, they don't require you to replace an existing switch. However, with all of these, you'll either need a smart switch already installed in your home, or have smart lights that will work with this product.
+ Works with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant+ Lots of customization- Only works with Philips Hue lights
If you have Philips Hue bulbs, the Philips Hue dimmer can be used as a wireless remote. There's a power button, a dimmer in the middle, and a button on the bottom that you can program to activate a specific scene. (The original dimmer, which you can still find, lacks this last button.)
+ Works with Philips Hue, Zigbee+ Works with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
If you have a wall switch that controls an outlet, rather than a light fixture, the Lutron Aurora lets you smart up that switch without replacing it. That way, the outlet can stay on, so you can use it for other appliances, like a clock or radio, and not worry that someone's going to flick the switch and cut its power. The company also makes a model for paddle switches as well. It works with Philips Hue and Zigbee smart lights
Read our full Lutron Aurora review.
+ Tiny- Only works with Lutron products
If you have Lutron smart light switches or plugs, you can use the Pico Dimmer remote to control them, too. The Pico is much smaller than a typical switch, so it can be easily lost, but it can also be wall-mounted wherever you like.
The Lutron Pico comes in four colors (white, black, light almond and ivory); if you don't like its look, Lutron also sells a newer Paddle Remote with a much cleaner design.
Brilliant Plug-in Smart Home Control
+ As capable as wall-mounted version- Expensive
The Brilliant Plug-in Smart Home Control works just like the model that replaces a light switch, but is far easier to install — just plug it into an outlet, and you can control your lights, Sonos, cameras, locks, and more. The main drawback is that it's just as expensive as Brilliant's other devices.
How to choose the best smart light switch for youSmart light switches vs. Smart light bulbs vs. Smart plugs
First thing to consider is whether you need a smart light switch or a smart light bulb. The difference is, with a smart light bulb, you can control the bulb itself with your phone, rather than the switch. Because of this, smart light bulbs are a good option if you're just trying to control a single light. If that's the case, we've rounded up the best smart light bulbs to help you choose. You should also check out 9 things you never knew you could do with smart lights while you're at it.
Smart light switches are a better option if you have lots of bulbs though or multiple rooms you want to control. They also tend to be much more cost efficient than splashing out for lots of smart light bulbs.
If you're old school and your home is lit via floor and table lamps, then one the best smart plugs is likely the best option for you. You simply connect your lamp straight to it, and then the smart plug into your wall socket, no wiring involved! Smart plugs tend to be less expensive than smart light switches as well.
Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter?
Smart light switches usually connect to your internet via Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. Through Wi-Fi, your switch links to your router, whereas Z-Wave and Zigbee use smart home hubs. While the latter options mean you will need to purchase a separate hub, it does mean you will still be able to use the smart light switch when the internet is down. A new standard, called Matter, has recently come online; While there are only a few devices that currently have this enabled, we expect plenty more to come in the near future.
Do you need a neutral wire?
Some smart light switches will need a neutral wire to work. Homes which were built in or after the 1980's likely will have one, but older homes might not. Because of this, it's a good idea to check whether your home has a neutral wire before you make a purchase. If you're unsure, here's a breakdown on what's a neutral wire and what to do if you don't have one.
Single-pole vs. Three-way switches
If a light fixture is controlled by more than one switch — for example, when you have a light switch at the top and bottom of a set of stairs — then you'll need to get a three-way smart light switch. However, if there's only one switch controlling an outlet, you can get a "single pole" switch.
Even if you don't have a three-way switch, there's an easy way to get around it; many smart light switch makers now offer a remote, or companion switch that's battery-operated. All you have to do is attach the switch to your wall using screws or adhesive — no wiring required.
Dimmer
Some smart switches have a dimmer function, so you can adjust the level of the lights' brightness. While these generally cost more than non-dimmer switches, it's nice functionality to have. If you do opt for a dimmer switch, you should also know that CFL, incandescent, and LED lights will all react differently — some LEDs may flicker if you dim them too much.
Motion sensor
If you don't want to bother actually pressing a light switch, then check out models which have built in motion sensors. These can sense your presence in a room and turn the lights on automatically. Just be sure that it's in a place where it can sense you the entire time you're in the room, or else it'll turn the lights off on you!
Smart home connectivity
Most smart light switches will work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, so you can connect them to other smart home devices, and control them using your voice.
Away Mode
This is a feature we like: If a smart light switch has this feature in its app, it will automatically turn your lights on and off randomly while you're away, to make it look like you're home.
Frequently asked questions Do I need an electrician to install a smart light switch?No, you do not need to hire an electrician to install a smart light switch. However, it is important that you take the proper safety precautions. Make sure that you turn off the circuit breaker to the switch before starting any work, and be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to install a smart light switch. If you're unsure at all, it's worth calling an electrician.
Can I replace a normal switch with a smart light switch?Yes, you can. The majority of smart light switches are designed to replace traditional light switches. However, you may need to determine if your existing switch uses a neutral wire, or is connected to another switch, so you know to purchase a compatible smart light switch.
Do smart switches work with any light?For the most part, smart light switches will work with any light — incandescent, LED, halogen, and fluorescent. However, certain types of bulbs may not work properly with a dimmer switch; if you turn the switch down low, your bulb may start flickering, for instance. It's best to consult the manufacturer's site before purchasing a smart light switch.
How to install a smart light switchUnlike most smart home devices, which merely require you to plug them into an outlet, installing a smart switch involves replacing a current in-wall switch. Since few, if any, light-control products include professional installation as part of the package, you will need a basic understanding of electrical work, which includes turning off the circuit breaker.
Smart switches are often bulkier than their traditional counterparts, however; so if they don't fit in the electrical box properly, you may need to get a new box, which is probably a job for an electrician. Similarly, some older homes don't have the right wiring, so an electrician is a good idea here, too.
How we test smart light switchesTo test smart switches, we either installed them ourselves, or had an electrician install them in our house. We then evaluated the switches based on the following criteria:
If you're looking to outfit your house or apartment with other smart home devices, be sure to check out some of our other guides.
Motorola Introduces 802.11n Wireless LAN Switch Enabling The All-Wireless Enterprise
The Enterprise Mobility business of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced its Motorola RFS6000, the latest addition to a family of high-performance multi-core processor-based wireless LAN (WLAN) switches, targeted at mid-sized enterprises. The RFS6000 supports an all-wireless enterprise vision, enabling businesses to build an enterprise WLAN that serves the entire organization from workers in corporate headquarters to manufacturing and distribution plants to remote branch offices.
With the industry's leading installed base of more than 125,000 WLAN switches, Motorola has the market's most thoroughly tested WLAN offering in the market. The addition of the RFS6000 and mesh-enabled adaptive 802.11a/b/g/n access points (APs) gives Motorola the industry's most complete indoor and outdoor WLAN portfolio to enable a truly wireless enterprise.
"We expect more than 75 percent of enterprise end-point devices to be wirelessly connected to the company network within four to five years," says Jack Gold, President, J.Gold Associates. "This will include not only data-centric devices, but voice and collaboration-centric devices as well, many with multiple wireless communication options seamlessly available to the user."
Based on the Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture this network-in-a-box solution is the industry's first wireless switch to include the combination of eight high-power PoE ports for 802.11n; a PCI express slot for wireless WAN backhaul 3G/4G services such as EVDO, HSDPA and WiMAX; and a PCI expansion slot for services such as IP PBX. The RFS6000 supports up to 48 802.11a/b/g/n APs and is capable of providing Wi-Fi coverage for up to 2,000 users. The RFS6000 also provides significant cost savings compared to wired Ethernet networks by completely eliminating the need to run separate voice and data cables to each user within the enterprise.
The RFS6000 offers enterprise-class security with integrated 802.1x, WPA/WPA2, stateful inspection firewall, VPN, AAA server and NAC support. The wireless switch is also PCI and HIPAA compliance-capable out-of-the-box.
"Mid-size organizations face difficulties in deploying a robust wireless infrastructure that can be managed effectively," continued Gold. "What they need are products that contain many of the features such as backhaul connection redundancy, embedded firewall and VPN, security and management capability of higher end systems targeted at large enterprises, but at a price geared to their needs."
The RFS6000 also offers a high level of network resilience with mesh, adaptive technology and switch clustering capabilities that enable business-critical wireless. RFS6000-based wireless networks can offer end-to-end resilience at a much lower cost than wired equivalents. In addition, wireless networks have the added benefit of enabling applications such as asset tracking, fixed mobile convergence (FMC) and location-based security to unleash the next level of mobility within the enterprise.
"With the RFS6000, adaptive APs, enterprise mesh and outdoors wireless offerings we are the only company in the industry with a complete portfolio to help enterprises truly realize the vision of a secure and reliable wireless enterprise inside and out," said Sujai Hajela, vice president and general manager of Enterprise WLAN, Motorola Enterprise Mobility business.
Use of Voice over WLAN is also growing within enterprises with the arrival of Wi-Fi phones and inexpensive VoIP services. The RFS6000 wireless switch supports toll quality voice over WLAN with Quality of Service (QoS) and Wi-Fi Multimedia Extensions and seamless roaming across Layer 3 boundaries both inside and outside helping to ensure superior performance for voice and multimedia applications.
Enterprise WLAN is part of Motorola's portfolio of innovative wireless broadband solutions and services that complement and complete IP networks. Delivering IP coverage to virtually all spaces both indoors and outdoors, the portfolio includes fixed broadband, mesh, broadband over powerline, WiMAX and Enterprise WLAN solutions for private and public networks.
To learn more about Motorola's Enterprise Mobility Business, please visit http://www.Motorola.Com/Enterprise/WirelessLAN/RFS6000
-ENDS-
About MotorolaMotorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.Motorola.Com.
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